Thursday, 28 August 2014

It may have been around for a few
years now but this release from veteran US trance influenced ebm
outfit Asmodeus X is still worth a review. Recorded between 2008 and
2010 and filled with compelling dance leads, entrancing synth
melodies and a heavy dose of esoterica, 'The Bright Ones' is a strong
club-friendly record that sees some of the bands strongest material
to date.

It's a high energy assault that channels the likes
of ebm pioneers such as Front 242 through a very modern trance
framework to create a high energy dance floor assault. Songs such as
'Destination Calling', 'Grosser Haus', 'Seasons Without End' , 'The
Bright Ones' and 'Theos' bring the fast pace, big beats and memorable
leads that can't help but get bodies moving. The use of samples gives
the album a nice old school flavour as well that is further
emphasised by the distinctive vocal style.

Though the vocals
are well performed the way they're mixed does occasionally hit the
ear wrong. Amongst the big synths and beats it's not as noticeable,
but on some of the quieter portions of the songs they sound a bit
tinny and raw compared to the more polished musical backing. It isn't
a huge sticking point though as the songs have a lot of energy behind
them to carry them through. Other than that the album is very well
produced and maintains a nice balance between the band's classic and
modern leanings.

'The Bright Ones' is a solid album full of
tracks that would be a welcome addition to any deejay's setlist. It's
by no means a perfect album but in terms of songwriting it is a very
strong offering with all ten songs a potential single, but in
particular the final two tracks 'Theo' and 'Power Factory'. It's been
a while since we've had some brand new music from the trio, so it
will be interesting to see what they have been brewing since they
released this.